Metronidazole Vaginal gel

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What is this medicine?

METRONIDAZOLE (me troe NI da zole) VAGINAL GEL is an antiinfective. It is used to treat bacterial vaginitis.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the vagina. Do not take by mouth or apply to other areas of the body. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Screw the applicator to the tube and squeeze the tube gently to fill the applicator. Lie on your back, part and bend your knees. Insert the applicator tip high in the vagina and push the plunger to release the gel into the vagina. Gently remove the applicator. Wash the applicator well with warm water and soap. Use at regular intervals. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

dizziness

frequent passing of urine

headache

loss of appetite

nausea

skin rash, itching

stomach pain or cramps

vaginal irritation or discharge

vulvar burning or swelling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

dark urine

mild vaginal burning

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

alcohol or any product that contains alcohol

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

cimetidine

lithium

warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

if you drink alcohol containing drinks

if you have taken disulfiram in the past two weeks

liver disease

peripheral neuropathy

seizures

an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, parabens, nitroimidazoles, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better in 2 or 3 days.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medicine and for three days afterwards. Alcohol may make you feel dizzy, sick, or flushed.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

Your clothing may get soiled if you have a vaginal discharge. You can wear a sanitary napkin. Do not use tampons. Wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.

Do not have sex until you have finished your treatment. Having sex can make the treatment less effective. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.